Press

PHILADELPHIA (May 28, 2026) – Following is a statement from a coalition of educators and public school supporters working to secure funding for the School District of Philadelphia that will save 340 school-level jobs:

“The Board of Education is poised to adopt an amended operating budget today for the next school year that cuts 149 teachers, 120 climate staff, 48 support staff and aides, and 23 counselors in 206 schools across the system. That the School District of Philadelphia’s structural deficit – the direct result of historic, unconstitutional underfunding by the Commonwealth – will be

PHILADELPHIA (May 20, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary result:

“The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers congratulates Rep. Chris Rabb on his primary election victory. While not endorsed by the Executive Board, our endorsement of another candidate was in no way a statement against Rep. Rabb’s record of service and consistent support for public education funding and worker empowerment. Public school students and working people in the 3rd Congressional District

PHILADELPHIA (May 18, 2026) – Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Monday expressed outrage at the School District of Philadelphia's failure to put students' health first:

"After reminding the administration of its own extreme heat policy this morning, the School District chose to keep students and staff in uncomfortable and dangerously hot conditions in schools that lack functional air conditioning. Today's high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit was forecast days ago, and outside temperatures today exceeded the 85-degree safety threshold at noon. Yet the

PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2026) – The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) on Tuesday released analysis and alternative recommendations for public schools that are scheduled to close starting in 2027.

Led by PFT Director of Environmental Science Jerry Roseman and informed by input from PFT members, the reports found inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the School District of Philadelphia's stated rationales for closing public schools.

At a press event at Overbook Elementary on Tuesday, the PFT and school leaders pointed to strong community ties and walkability for young students as

PHILADELPHIA (April 22, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the Board of Education's refusal to grant City Council's request that a vote on the School District of Philadelphia's Facilities Master Plan be delayed to at least the May 28th monthly action meeting:

"I am shocked by the disrespect shown to City Council members today by Board President Reginald Streater and Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr. Unfortunately, such treatment is nothing new for our members, who have been shouting to be heard about the

PHILADELPHIA (March 13, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the School District of Philadelphia's announcement of school-based staffing cuts to address a long-predicted structural deficit:

​“Over the past month I’ve met with PFT and community members in schools across the City targeted for closure, and there is across-the-board fatigue with perpetual cycles of austerity being inflicted on Philadelphia public schools. Educators and students are sick of being told there’s not enough money to fill staffing

PHILADELPHIA (March 12, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposed municipal budget for FY2027:

“Proposed revenue increases from rideshare services and cell phone towers that could raise $12 million annually for public schools are modest, broad, and should not be controversial. Philadelphia cannot continue to grow in population and prosperity without deeper, sustained investment in public education. We are pleased that the Parker Administration acknowledges that fact in its FY2027

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2026) – Philly public school educators, city officials, and students and families on Wednesday rallied for Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed education funding package as part of a nationwide AFT Day of Action.

Members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) at Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School welcomed Dr. Jermaine Dawson, Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services (representing Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr.); City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Education Chair Isaiah Thomas, and At-Large Member Dr. Nina

PHILADELPHIA (February 26, 2026) – School District of Philadelphia employees, students, and community members urged the Board of Education on Thursday to delay implementation of a plan to close schools and radically disrupt learning in dozens of other schools by co-locating and moving student bodies and programs.

Members of the five unions representing District employees – Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3), which represents more than 14,000 educators; Unite Here Local 634, which represents school cafeteria employees and student climate staff; Teamsters Local 502 (CASA), which